Asia IBD trends show transition to accumulating prevalence

A research team led by Professor Seo Jeong-guk of Chung-Ang University Hospital has published a study in ‘The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology’ analyzing 100 years of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) trends in Asia.

The study, which included international experts such as Professor Gilaad G. Kaplan from the University of Calgary, categorized the epidemiological evolution of IBD into four stages: onset, rapid incidence increase, prevalence accumulation, and equilibrium. The findings indicate that Asia is currently transitioning from the rapid incidence increase stage to the prevalence accumulation stage, driven by urbanization, Westernized diets, and improved hygiene.

South Korea is specifically identified as being in the latter part of the rapid incidence increase stage. As existing patients survive longer and new cases continue to emerge, the research highlights an increasing medical and social burden. The study notes that while IBD is often associated with younger populations, there is a rising number of elderly patients. To address this, the researchers recommend establishing early diagnosis infrastructure, life-cycle-based customized treatment systems, and policies to reduce the economic burden of high-cost biological therapies.